RFI-AE Responses.docx

RFIs Responses to 1232SA26R0033

Spec section 261313 Metal-Clad Switchgear under general includes the completion of the design by California PE including the Power System Studies called for under section 260573.

1. Please advise what design completion is required for this switchgear?

RESPONSE: The completion of design includes the completion of the Electrical Power Studies, coordinating with PG&E to determine that all of their requirements are met, and coordinating with the proposed switchgear vendor to ensure that all components are provided to ensure a complete and operable system of switchgear is provided.

1. The norm in the industry is that Power Studies are performed by separate entities that specialize in performing Electrical Power Studies including Short Circuit and Coordination Studies and Arc Flash Studies. Contractors typically do not directly oversee the performance of these studies. Please confirm this is acceptable. RESPONSE: The specification provided is a standard government guide specification and represents the normal practice in the industry. The professional engineer performing the work will be employed by the Contractor and the work will, therefore, be the responsibility of the contractor.

1. Additionally, the USDA will need to provide access to their PG&E representative to provide the necessary fault duty from PG&E. Please confirm this will be provided.

RESPONSE: The Contractor is responsible for coordinating with PG&E. Our Contact is:

Felix Lopez PG&E Strategic Account Manager Cell 415-407-2315

1. Plans E-600 and ES-101appear to show the new 12KV service connected to the existing service pole. Note that PG&E does not allow more than one service connected to the same pole. Please provide the location for the new service pole to allow a proper estimate of the costs for this work.

RESPONSE: ES101 clearly indicates that a new service pole is being installed to the west of the existing service pole. Employ PG&E to provide necessary facilities to implement the work.

1. Previous MV switchgear purchased and supplied by Eaton for this site took approximately two years to deliver to the site; your project duration of 365 calendar days will not provide sufficient time to specify, submit and procure the switchgear and shed room noted on Sheet E-103. Please provide at least a 30 month duration. RESPONSE: Submit the contractor-selected vendor’s current lead time for the gear and the project duration will be reviewed.

1. Previous MV switchgear had a KA Peak rating of 68KA and 40 KA rms Symmetrical rating and a short time 2 second Withstand rating of 25KA rms Symmetrical. Please confirm for bidding purposes that these ratings will suffice.

RESPONSE: Use these values for bidding, and confirm by coordinating with PG&E during the production of the electrical studies.

1. Boiler 2 drawing do not show the domestic water POC for the new Steam Generators. Please advise. RESPONSE: Sheet M-401 shows the water supply connection locations for the new steam generators.

1. Boiler 1 schedule Note 4 states for the pumps to be provided by the boiler manufacturer. Lochinvar boilers do not manufacture pumps. Please advise.

RESPONSE: Schedule does not indicate that the pumps must be manufactured by the boiler manufacturer. It states that the pumps must be provided by the boiler manufacturer as part of the boiler package. The boiler pumps are available as an option from the manufacturer.

1. Boiler 1 schedule Note 3 for the pumps state the pumps will be mounted on inertia base and vibration isolation. Please advise if the metal or concrete inertia base is desired? RESPONSE: Pumps must be provided with metal inertia bases with spring isolators.

1. Please provide the manufacturer of the BMS /EMCS controls system and the current version in operation.

RESPONSE: There are several BMS systems in use on the site. The contractor must field verify the manufacturer and version of the BMC/ECMS for each point of integration into the existing system.

1. Is the current HHW loop water treated? And are we to include treatment of each loop to bring the chemicals to current level after completion of our scope? Pre and Post test to be included?

RESPONSE: Contractor must test and treat water per Specification 23 52 46.00 20.

1. Can an ACM /LCM report be provided?

RESPONSE: ACM/LCM report conducted during design will be provided.

1. Boiler 2 shows the steam vent exiting the building but does not show how they are to be terminated. Please advise as these will be venting steam from the steam generators. RESPONSE: M-401 states the requirements for the steam vents and states to terminate in accordance with manufacturer’s published installation manual. M-501 provides details for exterior wall penetrations.

1. In the main building, are the control valves 3-way valves, 2-way valves or is there an automated bypass valve?

RESPONSE: There are a mix of 2-way and 3-way valves throughout the facility.

1. Due to the design temp, building design temp, and high efficiency capabilities of the new boilers, it is recommended to install a hydraulic separator in lieu of the current close proximity tees. The return water temperature can be kept within the performance range of the manufacturer. Please advise if this would be included in the scope.

RESPONSE: Hydraulic separators are not included in this scope.

1. Additional question regarding your spec section 261313, 2.2.2.9 C (1) wherein the spec calls for “…Premium VRLA batteries, with system disconnect and overcurrent protective device.” Note that PG&E Transmission Interconnection Handbook Under Appendix T expressly only allows Flooded lead acid or NiCd batteries.

RESPONSE: Provide batteries required by PG&E.

1. PG&E required two Protective Relays for the main breaker. Your spec and single line drawing does not show this required feature. Please revise and distribute. RESPONSE: Provide equipment required by PG&E.

1. Dwg C-101 Under Permit Notes P-1 “The contractor shall apply for, obtain and comply with all necessary permits”. For prior projects, we were advised that no permits were required as this is a federal facility. Please confirm that no permits are required for this work.

RESPONSE: The project’s location on a federal facility does not relieve the Contractor of this contractual responsibility. The Contractor is solely responsible for identifying, applying for, obtaining, and complying with all permits necessary to perform the work. See solicitation clauses 52.236-7, Permits and Responsibilities.

1. Several abbreviations are used; please explain or define these abbreviations.

17. FSIS Dwg ED101 This is part of the name of the existing panel to which the leader line points.

17. HNW Dwg E-000, E-101 This is the name of a new panelboard that shall be provided by the contractor. The panel schedule is clearly shown on Sheet E-601.

17. HSW Dwg E-000, E-102 This is the name of a new panelboard that shall be provided by the contractor. The panel schedule is clearly shown on Sheet E-601.

17. NMVS Dwg ES-101 This is the name given in the project to the New Medium Voltage Switchgear (NMVS).

1. Dwg E-103 shows the exhaust fan near the man door whereas it should be located over the Battery Rack to exhaust gas from the batteries.

RESPONSE: The symbology is shown to ensure that there is a connection to the exhaust fan. The gear manufacturer must install it and connect power to it where required for their equipment.

1. Dwg E-600 shows North Wing 1000 KVA Transformer; please confirm this is existing. RESPONSE: This transformer is clearly shown on EDS-101. The transformer exists.

1. Dwg E-600 and ES-101 show new Elbow Cabinets ECE and ECS; please provide the required enclosure type and material.

RESPONSE: See Specification Section 33 71 02, Paragraph 2.15. Cabinets shall be of weatherproof aluminum construction (minimum 0.125” thick) with stainless steel hardware. Seams shall be fully welded.

1. Dwg ES-101 shows two transformers adjacent to Quarantine area and transformer north of Service Bldg marked as Bold T; please confirm these are existing transformers.

RESPONSE: These are existing transformers and should have been shown in dim print.

1. Dwg ES-101 does not show the new HSW 1000 KVA transformer; please show this on this drawing and Dwg E-101 RESPONSE: ES-101 clearly indicates that the NT symbol is a new transformer and Keyed Note #6 tells the contractor to look at Detail 2/E000 for more information. Detail 2/E000 clearly indicates the new HSW transformer.

1. Dwg E-000, detail 2 shows an Electronic Meter (HSW) Enclosure, a Nema 3R 36” x 36” x 16” Junction box apparently adjacent to the HSW and a blank enclosure next to the Electronic Meter.

23. Please advise the location and name for this unnamed two compartment panel.

RESPONSE: The name HWS is shown beneath the Electronic Meter. The electronic meter is shown inside a two-section switchboard named HSW.

23. Please advise what these panels are and confirm that they Electronic Meter is existing.

RESPONSE: This is the new panel HSW (which will actually be switchboard construction). The panel schedule is shown on E-601. The electronic meter is not existing.

23. Please show the location on ES-101 and E-101.

RESPONSE: The approximate location that the contractor shall mount the new switchboard is clearly shown on E-101 with a keyed note 1 beside. It. It is shown to the left of the New Transformer on ES-101.

1. Dwg E-000, detail 1 shows existing breaker feeding existing 480 vac FSIS Utilities Panel to also feed HNW. Please confirm that new service to HNW will be paralleled with the existing service to FSIS Utilities Panel.

RESPONSE: EDS-101, Keyed Note 12 indicates that the existing feeder to Existing Panel 480-FSIS Utilities is to be demolished. The panel is to remain. The breaker that is presently feeding Panel 480-FSIS Utilities is to be used to feed the new Panel HNW.

1. The Power Systems Studies require studies for the entire facility. To obtain a quote for these studies we need a complete set of single line drawings showing all MV and 480 vac facilities on the site. Please provide this information; the provided drawings only provide a portion of the medium voltage distribution.

RESPONSE: The study shall not cover the entire facility. The study shall only cover new electrical equipment, as well as any existing electrical equipment that is fed from new electrical equipment.